Ackworth School is delighted to announce the appointment of former West Bromwich Albion, Walsall, Birmingham City, and England Under-21 player Gary Childs as its new Assistant Director of Football from April 2025. With a wealth of experience both on and off the pitch, Gary will play a key role in the development of young footballing talent at the school.
Childs, who enjoyed a distinguished playing career with clubs including West Bromwich Albion — where he earned his England U21 caps — Walsall, Birmingham City, and Grimsby Town, brings extensive coaching expertise to his new role. Notably, his time at Walsall saw the club achieve its best-ever cup run, highlighting his contributions at the highest levels of the game. Having worked with elite youth players for many years, his appointment signals the school’s commitment to fostering footballing excellence.
Speaking on his appointment, Gary said: “I am thrilled to be joining Ackworth School and working alongside a fantastic team. The opportunity to help nurture and develop young players in such a forward-thinking environment is something I am very passionate about. I look forward to bringing my experience to the role and helping students reach their full potential.”
Ackworth School’s Head, Martyn Beer, expressed his enthusiasm for the new addition to the coaching staff, saying: “We are delighted to welcome Gary to Ackworth School. His impressive career and dedication to developing young talent make him a fantastic asset to our football programme. His knowledge and experience will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our footballing structure and offer the best possible opportunities for our students.”
John McDermott, Director of Football at Ackworth School and former teammate of Childs at Grimsby Town, also shared his excitement about the appointment: “Having played and coached alongside Gary, I know firsthand the leadership, skill, and passion he brings to the game. His ability to inspire young players is second to none, and I have no doubt that he will have a hugely positive impact at Ackworth School.”
Gary Childs’ appointment comes as part of Ackworth School’s continued efforts to provide an elite footballing environment for its students, strengthened by its partnership with Harrogate Town AFC. This collaboration offers students access to top-level coaching, facilities, and pathways into professional football. With Childs’ extensive experience and commitment, the school is poised to enhance its football programme further.
Our U16 Boys Football Team created Ackworth School history by becoming the West Yorkshire County Champions earlier this week. The boys were victorious beating Brooksbank School 7 – 4 in a pulsating final. Watched by family and friends, the boys put on a show playing some fantastic football in both halves of the pitch. It was Ackworth who were more clinical in front of goal scoring some well worked goals.
With 20 minutes left of the match Ackworth were 3 – 4 down and had played the game with only 10 players for almost 60 minutes. But with grit, determination, and pieces of individual brilliance, Ackworth came through at the end strong and finished the game with goals to put the game out of reach for Brooksbank.
James Bower, Head of PE said “the boys have been amazing to work with over the last 3 years, from last year getting into the last 32 in the country, to now being crowned West Yorkshire champions, it is credit to all of the students who have put in the hard work and wanted to build on the high standards set each year. I am extremely proud of each student, and I wish them all the success in the future”.
John McDermott, our Director of Football said “I’m very, very proud of the players achievements, being the first team to bring silverware to the school. Well done boys!”
Three of Ackworth School’s Football Academy players were selected this week to join the Harrogate Town Academy side in their FA Youth Cup third round match against Birmingham City.
Chester, Charlie and Reece joined the team in a commanding performance earning a 3 – 1 victory against Birmingham City at The Exercise Stadium, with Chester scoring the final goal of the match with only ten minutes to spare, securing the win for Harrogate.
Ackworth School’s Director of Football, and former PFA Merit Award winner, John McDermott said “Our unique partnership with Harrogate Town AFC gives our players not only the opportunity to play at the highest levels of school football, but also to compete on a national level against professional academy teams. I am proud of the dedication that Chester, Charlie and Reece have shown to secure their place in the Harrogate Town Academy team“.
Ackworth School’s Football Academy first team continue their excellent start to the season of 12 wins in 13 games against Boston Spa or Bingley Grammar School next week in the West Yorkshire Cup final.
Ackworth School is delighted to announce another year of remarkable GCSE achievements. Over one-third of all grades earned by students were at the top levels (grades 9-7), with 48.1% of grades falling between 9 and 6, and an impressive 87.9% within the 9 to 4 range. These results underscore the commitment, diligence, and academic prowess of our students, supported by fantastic support and guidance from our teaching staff.
Among the standout performers is Jodie from Wormersley, who secured an impressive six grade 9s and four grade 8s. Other remarkable achievements include Eleanor from Billingley with five grade 9s, four grade 8s, and one grade 7; Jessica from South Elmsall with six grade 9s, two grade 8s, and two grade 7s; and Shanali from Knottingley, who achieved six grade 9s, two grade 8s, one grade 7, and one grade 6. Additionally, Marvin from Hong Kong earned four grade 9s, two grade 8s, and one grade 7, while Caitlin from Pontefract secured two grade 9s, six grade 8s, and two grade 7s.
Headteacher Martyn Beer expressed his pride in the students, stating, “I am immensely proud of all our pupils’ achievements this year. Their hard work has truly paid off, as reflected in today’s excellent results. I am looking forward to witnessing their continued success as they move on to Sixth Form, not only in their academic pursuits but also as they grow and thrive as individuals, guided by our holistic approach to education and our Quaker values.”
About Ackworth School: Ackworth School is a co-educational independent school in West Yorkshire, offering day and boarding education for students aged 2 to 18. Founded in 1779, the school is committed to nurturing individual talent and promoting academic excellence within a caring and supportive environment.
If you would like to find out more about how Ackworth School can support your child to unlock their full academic potential, why not book a place at our Open Morning on Thursday 10 October 2024 or contact our admissions team on admissons@ackworthschool.com or 01977 233621.
Ackworth School is delighted to announce the remarkable achievements of our Sixth Form students in their 2024 A-Level examinations. This year’s results highlight the dedication, hard work, and academic excellence of our students, as well as the fantastic support provided by our teaching staff.
We are incredibly proud of the outstanding performances that have led to many students securing places at some of the UK’s most prestigious universities. Among the top achievers is Mikulas, who earned three A grades in Biology, Mathematics, and Chemistry, securing his place at the University of Southampton to study Medicine. Similarly, Bani also achieved A grades in Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics and she will be pursuing Civil Engineering at the University of Warwick.
Hadrian achieved A* in Mathematics, A in Further Mathematics and B in Physics and will also be heading to the University of Southampton to study Computer Science. Steven also excelled with A* in Mathematics, along with an A in Further Mathematics, and a B in Computer Science who will be taking a well-earned gap year before applying to university for 2025. Izzy will be joining King’s College London to study Social Sciences with excellent results in English Literature, History and Psychology plus an A* for her EPQ.
A special mention must also go to Alex from our Autism Resource who achieved B and D in Mathematics and Further Mathematics respectively.
Head of Ackworth School, Martyn Beer, expressed his admiration for the students’ achievements: “I am incredibly proud of all our students. Their hard work and determination have truly paid off. Our students have not only achieved academically but have also developed the skills and qualities that will serve them well in their future endeavours. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to each of them, especially in light of the disruption to their education through the Covid years, and to our dedicated staff who have supported them every step of the way.“
Beyond these individual successes, we are also pleased to report that the overall pass rate at Ackworth School remains high, with an increase in the percentage of students achieving grades A*- A. These results reflect the strong academic ethos and supportive community that Ackworth School is renowned for.
As our students prepare to embark on the next exciting chapter of their lives, we wish them every success in their future studies and careers. We are confident that they will continue to make us proud as they move forward with the knowledge, skills, and values they have gained during their time at Ackworth School.
About Ackworth School: Ackworth School is a co-educational independent school in West Yorkshire, offering day and boarding education for students aged 2 to 18. Founded in 1779, the school is committed to nurturing individual talent and promoting academic excellence within a caring and supportive environment.
If you would like to find out more about how Ackworth School can support your child to unlock their full academic potential, why not book a place at our Open Morning on Thursday 10 October 2024 or contact our admissions team on admissons@ackworthschool.com or 01977 233621.
Six students from Ackworth School have beaten the odds to be offered places in the 2024 intake of the National Youth Theatre.
Congratulations to Adam (L6), Erin (Y11), Eve (Y11), Harvey (Y11), Feli (Y10) and Nina (Y10), who have all been offered places on National Youth Theatre (NYT) courses. All six students have developed their performance skills in academic Drama lessons, LAMDA/Trinity classes and numerous extracurricular performances at Ackworth School.
The NYT holds annual acting auditions and technical theatre interviews around the United Kingdom, receiving an average of over 6,500 applicants. Currently, around 500 places are offered on summer acting and technical courses, which offer participants NYT membership upon completion. Members are then eligible to audition for the company’s productions, which are staged in London’s West End, around the country, and internationally.
There is a long list of performers who started at NYT and are now performing on the global stage – Judi Dench, Helen Mirren, Daniel Day-Lewis, Daniel Craig, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Matt Smith, Sheridan Smith, just to name a few. NYT alumni include some of the world’s most celebrated performers and award-winning backstage talent working at leading events around the globe and as cultural leaders at leading venues.
14 students from Ackworth auditioned for a place back in March 2024, with students participating in a three hour workshop with a professional actor, before engaging in a one-to-one audition where they had to perform a monologue of their choice. The six students who successfully applied have all been invited to a two-week acting course over the summer, after which they become official members of the company. Thereafter, they have a rich range of opportunities at their fingertips – from play auditions to skill workshops, from masterclasses to theatre, film and TV castings – from their respective points of entry up to the age of 25.
Some of the successful applicants shared their feelings on the experience:
Harvey said, ‘It is a honour to get in to NYT with how difficult the competition is. I am excited to start soon and hope to progress using the course.’
Feli said, ‘When I found out I got into NYT honestly at first I didn’t believe it! I had to double check that it wasn’t a mistake because, from what I’ve been told about it and from what I have researched, to get into NYT is a once in a lifetime opportunity because it opens so many doors in terms of acting. Thousands of people audition and some of them more then once, so to get in first try is just incredible. This is an opportunity not many get and I am forever grateful.’
Nina said, ‘On the day of the National Youth Theatre workshop and auditions I felt excited but nervous as I didn’t know what to expect. As the day went on, I began to enjoy myself and to see that the NYT teacher was fun and friendly. When it was time for the audition, I felt much more confident and I was amazed when I was accepted as part of the NYT. I am very grateful for this amazing opportunity!’
Adam said, ‘Being rewarded the opportunity to be an NYT member means an awful lot to me. I started my journey in drama at Ackworth and have loved every moment of it since. Perhaps naturally, I never thought too much of acting as a “serious” avenue for me to pursue beyond my days at Ackworth given the volatile and harsh nature of its industry. However, earning a place in the NYT feels like I’ve got a foot in the door. I can visualise keeping drama in my life beyond school and I now have a real and professional opportunity to do so. It’s honestly so exciting and I can’t wait to get stuck into all that the NYT has to offer and to take all that I’ve learnt at Ackworth to develop it further.’
Head of Drama, Ali Boucher, said, ‘It is a fantastic result for these students, whose hard work, commitment and passion have been justly rewarded. For one student to beat such odds is a success worthy of huge celebration, as we did last year when OId Scholar Grace became the first Ackworth student to gain membership of the NYT in recent years. But for Ackworth to have six successful applicants this year, for us to build on that success in this way, is just fantastic. I am excited for the future, not just for them but for all of our Drama students at Ackworth. We have a wealth of performance talent across all years – not just those unlucky enough to narrowly miss out, who deserve to try again next year, but also those too young to audition last March. We will absolutely apply to audition again next year, and we will be working with all of our students to enable them to emulate these feats in the years to come, to showcase and deepen their talents, and to show how all areas of Ackworth’s Performance Faculty deliver above and beyond expectations for the young people we teach.’
If you would like to find out more about how Ackworth School can support your child to unlock their full potential, why not book abespoke visit or contact our admissions team on admissons@ackworthschool.com or 01977 233621.
